Ethics Committee members needed
We currently have an interim member opening on our Ethics Committee, and we are looking for dojo members and members of the wider dojo community, such as partners or parents, for this appointment. If you are passionate about maintaining an ethical, supportive, and inclusive dojo environment, this is your chance to be involved! Committee members...Continue reading→
News from the mat October 2026
“When you bow deeply to the universe it bows back. When you call out the name of the divine it echoes deep inside of you.” — O-Sensei Testing We will be announcing dates for upcoming kyu tests very soon. Come support your classmates and the dojo. Upcoming Events Oct. 3, Monthly Theme Class at Capitol...Continue reading→
News from the mat September 2026
“Research and development in any field should drive practice, not tradition.” — Christopher Mulligan Sensei, Aikido Kyoto Fall Introduction to Aikido six-week courses Please help spread the work by inviting any friends, family, co-workers, etc to join us. This is a great opportunity to share this practice with others in your life. Link. Tuesdays, Sep....Continue reading→
News from the Mat August 2026
“Research and development in any field should drive practice, not tradition.” — Christopher Mulligan Sensei, Aikido Kyoto Fresh Eyes, New Insights Thanks to our Guest Instructors. Training with guests is a powerful way to deepen your Aikido practice. Special thanks to our recent guest instructors Jamie Zimron, Liese Klein, Joanne Veneziano, and Neilufar Naini Senseis....Continue reading→
Chris Mulligan Shihan in Seattle and Portland
We are pleased to welcome Chris Mulligan Shihan to Seattle Aikikai July 25 to 26, 2026 and August 1 to 2 at Portland Aikikai. Classes will be held in Seattle and Portland over consecutive weekends. July 25 to 26 in Seattle: Bokken August 1 to 2 in Portland: Jo Saturday: 11am to 12:30pm, 3 to...Continue reading→
News from the mat July 2026
“Always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner.” — Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) Celebrating Daniel and Erica Our Aikido community extends heartfelt congratulations to Daniel and Erica on their upcoming wedding this July. Their dedication, kindness, and leadership have inspired us on and off the mat. May your marriage be as smooth as...Continue reading→
Is your body Aikido-ready?
As I walked out of the clinic after my second vaccine on a beautiful spring Seattle day I was totally overcome with the desire to start skipping. Which I did! Until I felt a little twinge in my knee that made me stop. Oh right, what was I thinking? I’ve spent the past year in...Continue reading→
Imagination in Aikido
Empty the mind. It’s been a central tenet of my martial arts practices since I was 11. Focus, steady breathing, ignoring any and all complications while you practice. Focus on the technique, how your breath flows through your body as you move, attempting to achieve one perfect instance. I’m reminded of the movie “The Last...Continue reading→
Dojo reopening
Dear Seattle Aikikai Members, With the recent plan to move to statewide reopening from Governer Inslee, Seattle Aikikai is excited to announce a gradual return to indoor Aikido practice, starting on Thursday June 10, 2021. Classes will be limited to 10 people, based on Washington State’s phase regulations. During Phase 3 (until June 30), 10 people...Continue reading→
Natural movement and Aikido
“Natural movement”? Humans are built to move “Natural movement” was the big topic in fitness circles 5–10 years ago, but is still quite relevant to Aikido, and I still incorporate elements of natural movement in my warmups. This type of movement practice is related to everything that we do with our bodies throughout the day....Continue reading→